Herring Meal is the second listed ingredient. In this instance, use of "Whole Herring" is known. Of the various "fish meals", herring may be considered the most desirable due to high levels of Omega 3s (DHA and EPA), iron, and Vitamin B12. In the case of Northfin, the source of Herring is known and it's quality can safely be assumed.

The third listed ingredient is "Whole Sardine Meal". Herring and Sardine possess very similar nutritional values but Sardines have a higher calcium content.

Kelp is a good source of iodine for thyroid function and chlorophyll. It’s also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc, Copper, Riboflavin, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Manganese. A very good natural source of Vitamin K.

Spirulina is sometimes called "The Most Nutritious Food on the Planet". Rich in raw protein and seven major vitamins: A1, B1, B2, B6, B12 (one of the best natural sources for B12, although the bioavailability of its B12 is in dispute by many researchers), C and E. It naturally contains beta-carotene, color enhancing pigments, and a whole range of minerals. In addition, Spirulina has 62% amino acid content and contains all essential fatty acids and eight amino acids required for complete nutrition. It is easily digested due to the fact that Spirulina cells do not have cellulose walls. Spirulina is only available in a dry form, so regardless of how it is listed on the ingredient label (spirulina meal, dried spirulina, or spirulina), it's ordering in the ingredient list should be accurate.

Calcium montmorillonite clay is a recognized nutrient, detoxifying agent, and bactericidal. It contains 67 minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and silica as well as trace elements, those appearing in very tiny amounts. While the mineral content, being extremely high, sets the stage for replenishing dietary deficiencies, the bioavailability of these minerals is debatable. Regardless, the primary benefit may be as a detoxyifying agent. The adsorption (and absorption) effect of this clay has been proven effective in the removal of mycotoxins, fungi, heavy metal, and other toxins from the intestinal tracks of animals. It is also proven as a bactericide, with protective effect against several pathogenic intestinal bacteria such as E. Coli.

With the first three ingredients being high quality preferred aquatic meat proteins and 9 of 10 primary ingredients being desired, there is more than ample confidence in the preferred protein content of this food. Containing sufficient quantities of both Aquatic Meats and Aquatic Plants.

This food does not contain Ethoxyquin (or any other questionable preservatives), Synthetic Vitamin K, or artifical coloring agents.

Oscarfish.Com Rating: 6 Stars

The high quality of preferred "whole animal" proteins in this food, an absence of controversial ingredients such as Ethoxyquin, BHT, BHA, or artificial coloring agents, along with minimal use of terrestrial starches, easily justify rating this as a 6 star food.

Very little, if anything, seperates Northfin and NLS. NLS may even be a better product due to the healthful benefits of Chlorella Algae and Ulva Seaweed. The reason Northfin has recieved a 6 star rating and NLS remains in the 5 star category (5.5 stars) is that I have been able to recieve an "Ethoyxquin Free" statement from Northfin, to include absence of Ethoxyquin in pre-manufacture meals. I have not been able to recieve an Ethoxyquin free statement from NLS. Site rules in ingredient ratings is that to achieve a "6 star" rating, the manufacture must identify an Ethoxyquin free food.

Understanding Oscarfish.Com Ratings:

This review is an attempt to analyze the ingredients in an effort to judge quality based upon three simple criteria.